Under bright sunny skies, The Animal Shelter of Martha’s Vineyard held the first annual Celebration of Pets at Sunset Lake in Oak Bluffs. From Odie, the gentle Pinto horse – adopted as were so many others there – to a cat named Smokey and parrot named Livingston, all creatures great and small (including the duck in the lake) had a simply lovely time, thank you.

Good Dog Goods provided the delicate bone-shaped h’ors d’oevres while beverages were served in elegant stainless steel pails, or Chilmark Water bottles depending upon the number of legs of the thirsty guest.

Karen Ogden gave a Rally Obedience demonstration and everyone had an opportunity to go through the course with their dog. There were raffle tickets sold in arm or body lengths for two large baskets of donated prizes, and memorial bricks were available to commemorate a special pet friend. People also lined up to see if their dog could earn an AKC Canine Good Citizen certificate thanks to Sue Davis Shaw. She certified 9 dogs as AKC Canine Good Citizens.

Father Michael Nagel of the Good Shepard Parish gave the Blessing of the Animals to all assembled and the beautiful mini-horses Abby and Princess seemed to bow their heads to receive it.

Finally, everyone joined thePet Parade and all those with four legs or feathers received the coveted Purple Ribbon Award for being a beloved Vineyard pet.

Meanwhile in Edgartown at 1 Pennywise Path, the Shelter itself, newly cleaned and painted, hosted a day-long open house, which proved a great success as well.